Modular exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, including a housing which has at least two equivalently formed receiving elements for arranging the AGN modules, and at least one exhaust gas guide module which is inserted into one of receiving elements, and an exhaust gas guide module for an exhaust gas treatment device of this type.

Claims

1. An exhaust gas aftertreatment device for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a housing that has at least two receptacles of equivalent design for arrangement of modules that guide at least part of an exhaust gas flow and include a substrate for exhaust gas aftertreatment; and, at least one exhaust gas guiding module inserted into one of the at least two receptacles, wherein the housing has at least two outer side walls that have recesses that form the receptacles, wherein the housing has a first exhaust gas chamber having two partial chambers and a second exhaust gas chamber arranged between the two partial chambers of the first exhaust gas chamber, the second exhaust gas chamber being separated from each of the partial chambers by a respective intermediate wall, wherein each of the at least two receptacles communicates with the second exhaust gas chamber and one of the partial chambers.

2. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas guiding module forms an exhaust gas inlet or an exhaust gas outlet.

3. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas guiding module has an outer opening for connection of the exhaust gas system.

4. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas guiding module has at least one inner opening provided for connection in terms of flow to only one of the exhaust gas chambers.

5. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, comprising fastening means for fixing the exhaust gas guiding module in the receptacle.

6. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas guiding module is provided in an unfastened state for rotation in the receptacle.

7. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting flange for connection to the exhaust gas system, and an exhaust gas guiding tube provided to be connected in terms of flow to only one of the exhaust gas chambers of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device.

8. An exhaust gas aftertreatment device for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, comprising: a housing that has at least two receptacles of equivalent design for arrangement of modules that guide at least part of an exhaust gas flow and include a substrate for exhaust gas aftertreatment, wherein the housing has at least two exhaust gas chambers which are separated from each other and in which the at least two receptacles engage; at least one exhaust gas guiding module inserted into one of the at least two receptacles, wherein the housing has a first exhaust gas chamber having two partial chambers and a second exhaust gas chamber arranged between the two partial chambers of the first exhaust gas chamber, the second exhaust gas chamber being separated from each of the partial chambers by a respective intermediate wall, wherein each of the at least two receptacles communicates with the second exhaust gas chamber and one of the partial chambers; and at least one further module which is inserted into another of the at least two receptacles so as to connect the at least two exhaust gas chambers to each other in terms of flow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas system and an exhaust gas aftertreatment device.

(2) FIG. 2 shows the exhaust gas aftertreatment device with an inserted exhaust gas guiding module in a side view.

(3) FIG. 3 shows the exhaust gas aftertreatment device with the housing removed.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a side view, which is rotated with respect to FIG. 1, of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) FIGS. 1 to 4 show an exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 for an exhaust gas system 2, 3 of an internal combustion engine 4. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 is provided for reducing pollutants in an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine 4, for example by filtration or conversion. In order to reduce the pollutants, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 has a plurality of AGN modules 7 which are provided for filtration and/or catalytic conversion of the pollutants. Depending on the internal combustion engine 4 used, on an intended use and/or on other technical requirements, the AGN modules 7 can have different configurations. All of the AGN modules 7 of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 are of identical design here and are connected in parallel in terms of flow. The AGN modules 7 can be designed, for example, as particle filter modules or as catalytic modules, such as in particular, as diesel particle filter modules, as diesel oxidation catalytic converter modules for reducing CO portions, as SCR catalytic converter modules for reducing nitrogen oxides or the like. In principle, further devices for exhaust gas aftertreatment can be connected upstream or downstream of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 illustrated. For example, the further device (not illustrated specifically) for exhaust gas aftertreatment can form a particle filter if the device illustrated is designed as an SCR catalytic converter.

(6) The AGN modules 7 are typically subject to wear. In order to be able to ensure operating capability of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1, the AGN modules 7 are removable. Depending on the configuration of the AGN modules 7, it can be provided here that the AGN modules 7 are replaced individually by new AGN modules 7. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the AGN modules 7 to be refitted after cleaning. Each of the AGN modules 7 can be individually removed and exchanged here.

(7) At least part of an exhaust gas flow which is ejected by the internal combustion engine 4 is guided through the AGN modules 7. For the arrangement of the AGN modules 7 in the exhaust gas flow, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 comprises a housing 5 which has a plurality of receptacles 6 for the AGN modules 7. All of the receptacles 6 are of equivalent design, i.e. the AGN modules 7 can basically be inserted into any of the receptacles 6.

(8) The housing 5 which is provided for conducting the exhaust gas flow through the AGN modules 7 has an exhaust gas inlet 9 and an exhaust gas outlet 10. Furthermore, the housing 5 comprises a plurality of intermediate walls 21, 22 which separate the housing 5 into two exhaust gas chambers 11, 12 which are separated from each other. The exhaust gas inlet 9 and the exhaust gas outlet 10 are respectively connected here to one of the exhaust gas chambers 11, 12. The receptacles 6, into which the AGN modules 7 are inserted in the state ready for operation, each engage in the two exhaust gas chambers 11, 12. In the state ready for operation, the AGN modules 7 connect the exhaust gas chambers 11, 12 to each other. The exhaust gas flow is introduced into the first exhaust gas chamber 11 by the exhaust gas inlet 9. In the first exhaust gas chamber 11, the exhaust gas flow is divided between the individuals AGN modules 7, is guided through the individual AGN modules 7 and is collected again in the second exhaust gas chamber 12. The exhaust gas flow is subsequently discharged again from the housing 5 via the exhaust gas outlet 10.

(9) The housing 5 has two side walls 16, 17, into which a plurality of recesses 18 are introduced in order to form the receptacles 6 for the AGN modules 7. The receptacles 6 are thereby introduced on both sides into the housing 5. In principle, however, recesses 18 can also be provided only in one of the side walls 16, 17. At least a part of the intermediate walls 21, 22 which divide the housing 5 into the exhaust gas chambers 11, 12 are oriented parallel to the side walls 16, 17. Recesses 25 which, along an insertion direction for the AGN modules 7, are arranged congruently with the recesses 18 in the side walls 16, 17 are likewise introduced into the intermediate walls 21, 22 which are oriented parallel to the side walls 16, 17. The AGN modules 7, which can be inserted into the housing 5 from both sides in this exemplary embodiment, each engage at most by half in the housing 5. At the same time, they each engage at least in the two recesses 18, 25 of the corresponding receptacle 6.

(10) In order to form the receptacle 6, the housing 5 can additionally have receiving tubes (not illustrated specifically) which are fixedly connected to the respective side wall 16, 17 and to the respective intermediate wall 21, 22. In such a refinement, the receptacles 6 are in each case formed by the two associated recesses 18, 25 and the associated receiving tube. In such a configuration, the receiving tubes are provided for connecting the two exhaust gas chambers 11, 12 to each other in terms of flow.

(11) The first exhaust gas chamber 11 which is provided for the exhaust gas inlet 9 has two partial chambers 27, 28 which are each bounded along the insertion direction by one of the side walls 16, 17 and one of the intermediate walls 21, 22. The second exhaust gas chamber 12, which is provided for the exhaust gas outlet 10, is arranged along the insertion direction between the two partial chambers 27, 28 of the first exhaust gas chamber 12. The intermediate walls 21, 22 which bound the second exhaust gas chamber 12 separate the two exhaust gas chambers 11, 12 from each other along the insertion direction.

(12) In the mounted state, i.e. when the AGN modules 7 are inserted into the receptacle 6, the AGN modules 7 reach through the corresponding intermediate wall 21, 22. The AGN modules 7 each have a Canning tube 29 for receiving a substrate, an inflow opening 23 for connection in terms of flow to the first exhaust gas chamber 11, and an outflow opening 24 for connection to the second exhaust gas chamber 12. The first exhaust gas chamber 11 and the second exhaust gas chamber 12 are connected to each other in terms of flow only via the AGN modules 7. The AGN modules 7 are provided in order to be connected to the respective side wall 16, 17, through which they are guided, so as to be fixed in the receptacles 6.

(13) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a number of the mounted AGN modules 7 is smaller than a number of the receptacles 6 which the housing 5 has. The receptacles 6 are therefore only partially fitted with AGN modules 7. In addition to the AGN modules 7, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 has an exhaust gas guiding module 8 which is inserted into the remaining receptacle 6 of the housing 5. The receptacle 6 into which the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is inserted is in principle also suitable for receiving a further AGN module 7. The exhaust gas guiding module 8 can therefore be inserted into any of the receptacles 6. An arrangement of the AGN modules 7 and of the exhaust gas guiding module 8 in the receptacles 6 can be changed as desired.

(14) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 merely has the one exhaust gas guiding module 8. Alternatively, however, the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 may also have further exhaust gas guiding modules which are inserted instead of an AGN module 7 into one of the remaining receptacles 6. In principle, any number of the AGN modules 7 can be replaced by exhaust gas guiding modules 8.

(15) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 forms an exhaust gas outlet stub to which, for example, the exhaust gas system 3 can be connected for further guidance of the exhaust gas flow. In addition to the exhaust gas guiding module 8, which can be adapted in particular in respect of its positioning in one of the receptacles 6 in a flexible manner to the adjoining exhaust gas system 3, the housing 5 has a further exhaust gas outlet stub 30 to which the exhaust gas system 3 can be connected. Depending on requirements, the exhaust gas outlet stub 30 which has the housing 5, or the exhaust gas outlet stub formed by the exhaust gas guiding module 8 can therefore be used according to choice. If the exhaust gas outlet stub 30 of the housing 5 is used, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 can be omitted and instead a further AGN module 7 can be inserted into the receptacle 6. If the exhaust gas flow is discharged by means of the exhaust gas guiding module 8, the exhaust gas outlet stub 30 of the housing 5 can be closed.

(16) The exhaust gas guiding module 8 has an inner opening 13 for connection in terms of flow to the second exhaust gas chamber 12, and an outer opening 14, for the connection of the exhaust gas system 3. The exhaust gas flow guided within the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is separated in terms of flow from the first exhaust gas chamber 11. During operation, the exhaust gas flow enters the exhaust gas guiding module 8 through the inner opening 13 and exits therefrom again through the outer opening 14.

(17) The exhaust gas guiding module 8 has an exhaust gas guiding tube 20 and a connecting flange 19. The connecting flange 19 is provided for connecting the exhaust gas guiding module 8 fixedly to the housing 5. In addition, the connecting flange 19, which is provided for the connection of the exhaust gas system 3, forms the outer opening 14. The exhaust gas guiding tube 20 adjoins the connecting flange 19. the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 forms the inner opening 13 for the connection in terms of flow to the second exhaust gas chamber 12. Along the insertion direction, the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 has an extension length which is at least the same size as a corresponding extension of the partial chambers 27, 28 of the first exhaust gas chamber 11. In the mounted state, the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 passes completely through the corresponding partial chamber 27, 28 of the first exhaust gas chamber 11 and projects partially into the second exhaust gas chamber 12. The inner opening 13 is formed by a partial portion of the exhaust gas guiding tube 20, which partial portion projects into the second exhaust gas chamber 12.

(18) For the fixing in the receptacle 6, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 has a fastening means 15 which is provided in particular in order to connect the connecting flange 19 and the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 fixedly to the housing 5. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the housing 5 has a plurality of holding tubes 26 which are each assigned to one of the receptacles 6. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the holding tubes 26 which are provided for the fastening of the AGN modules 7 and of the exhaust gas guiding module 8 each form a V-band flange. The fastening means 15 which is provided for fixing the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is designed as a V-band clip. The AGN modules 7 each have a similar or identical fastening means. The fastening means (not illustrated specifically in the exemplary embodiment) for the AGN modules 7 are likewise designed as V-band clips.

(19) The exhaust gas guiding module 8 is provided in order to be rotated in an unfastened state of the receptacle 6. The connecting flange 19 of the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is of rotationally symmetrical design. In conjunction with the holding tube 26 of the corresponding receptacle 6, the connecting flange 19 merely defines an axis of rotation about which the exhaust gas guiding module 8 can be rotated as long as the latter is unfastened. The axis of rotation runs parallel here to the insertion direction. If a fitted position is defined for the exhaust gas guiding module 8, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is fixed by means of the fastening means 15.

(20) In addition to the exhaust gas outlet stub 30, the housing 5 has two further exhaust gas inlet stubs 31, 32 which is provided for the connection of the exhaust gas system 2 which connects the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 to the internal combustion engine 4. In the configuration of the exhaust gas guiding module 8 as an exhaust gas outlet, the exhaust gas flow enters the housing 5 of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device 1 via the exhaust gas inlet stubs 31, 32, is divided between the two partial chambers 27, 28 of the first exhaust gas chamber 11, passes via the AGN modules 7 into the second exhaust gas chamber 12 and exits again from the housing 5 via the exhaust gas guiding module 8. Alternatively, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 can form an exhaust gas inlet stub which can be used instead of the exhaust gas inlet stubs 31, 32 of the housing 5.

(21) In a configuration as an exhaust gas inlet stub, the exhaust gas guiding module 8 is formed substantially analogously to the exemplary embodiment illustrated. In the configuration as the exhaust gas inlet stub, the inner opening 13 is provided for connection to the first exhaust gas chamber 11. The inner opening 13 is then arranged in a partial portion of the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 which, in the mounted state, passes through the first exhaust gas chamber 11. One end of the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 is closed here in a gas-tight manner, as a result of which the exhaust gas guiding tube 20 is provided for closing the corresponding recess 25 in the intermediate wall 21, 22 in a gas-tight manner.